Gambling Legislation in Canada
There are no general laws to regulate gambling activities in Canada, other than a ban on entertainment where the outcome depends on a player's random chance of winning. A permit to provide gambling services may be issued at the provincial level. There are rules for players as well - these are summarised on our homepage.
Although most provinces don't allow online casinos Canada, that doesn't mean that players are criminally or administratively liable if they like to gamble on online gambling sites. The most important thing for Canadian players is to follow the rules of the online casino itself. Only the owners of the gambling sites are liable for misconduct.
Legal online gaming and land-based casinos in Canada
As mentioned earlier, it is important for players to consider what rules and licences apply in their province. Often legal entertainment on the internet is such as:
- casino games only on the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (LCBC) website;
- provincial lotteries;
- state lotteries;
- poker rooms from operators Lotto Quebec, Atlantic Lottery and BCLC;
- private lotteries.
Canadians are allowed to play legally in non-commercial casinos, bookmakers, racinos, sweepstakes at ipodromas, bingo, slot machines in bingo halls. All of these are allowed from the age of nineteen.
Although these lists do not include online casinos with all their variety of entertainment, Canadian players still prefer to register and play for money or for free at such portals. In choosing a legal online casino for Canadians, you can rely on the ratings and reviews prepared by our experts.
Free online slots and other games
It is possible to play online not only for money, but also in free mode. Since there are no real prizes in the game, the game is not considered gambling and is therefore completely legal in Canada.
It's worth noting that a legal online casino in Canada with a foreign license will be much more attractive for free games. They have a much greater variety of gaming software, including hundreds of machines and dozens of table games. Even if the site is blocked, you can use a VPN and play for free. It's legal and there are no sanctions.
If you haven't gambled for money before, free gambling is the best way to understand how it all works, learn the rules and develop a betting strategy.
Once you choose a legal online casino from our list, you can start playing for free and then register and make real bets on the games you've already tried out in demo mode. This way, you'll learn all about the casino's website, bonus system and available games. This is very convenient and will allow you to move on to playing for real money in no time.
What features have legal casino sites in Canada?
Legal online casinos in Canada must comply with regulations set by their respective provincial regulatory bodies. Some of the common features of Canadian licensed casino websites include:
- License and regulation: Legal casinos in Canada must hold a license issued by their provincial regulatory body, such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or the British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. These licenses ensure that the casinos meet the regulatory standards for fair play, security, and responsible gambling.
- Game variety: Legal casinos in Canada offer a wide variety of games, including slot machines, table games, poker, and other specialty games. These games are often provided by reputable software providers, and their payouts and randomness are regularly audited by third-party companies to ensure fair play.
- Security and safety: Legal casinos in Canada prioritize the safety and security of their customers. They use advanced security systems to protect the personal and financial information of their customers and prevent fraud and identity theft. They also have strict procedures in place to prevent underage gambling, money laundering, and other illegal activities.
- Responsible gambling measures: Legal casinos in Canada are required to implement responsible gambling measures to help prevent and address gambling addiction. These measures may include self-exclusion programs, limits on betting amounts and time spent gambling, and referral services for gambling addiction counseling.
- Rewards and promotions: Legal casinos in Canada may offer rewards programs and promotions to attract and retain customers. These may include free play, complimentary drinks and meals, and other incentives.
Overall, legal casinos in Canada provide a safe and fair environment for gambling enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite games. They are subject to strict regulations and oversight to ensure that they operate ethically and responsibly.
Peculiarities of gambling and online casino regulation in different provinces of Canada
In Canada, gambling is legal and regulated by the provincial governments. Each province has its own regulatory body responsible for overseeing gambling activities within its jurisdiction. The regulations and laws around gambling and online casinos vary from province to province.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) oversees all gambling activities, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 19 years old to participate. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) operates PlayNow.com, the only legal online casino in the province.
Alberta
In Alberta, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) regulates all forms of gambling, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 18 years old to participate. However, there are no legal online casinos operating within the province.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) regulates all gambling activities, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 19 years old to participate. However, there are no legal online casinos operating within the province.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) regulates all forms of gambling, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 18 years old to participate. The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation operates PlayNow.com, the only legal online casino in the province.
Ontario
In Ontario, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates all gambling activities, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 19 years old to participate. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) operates PlayOLG.ca, the only legal online casino in the province. However, in April 2021, the Ontario government announced plans to launch a new online gambling platform that would be open to private operators.
Quebec
In Quebec, the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) regulates all gambling activities, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 18 years old to participate. Loto-Québec operates Espacejeux.com, the only legal online casino in the province.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC) regulates all forms of gambling, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 19 years old to participate. However, there are no legal online casinos operating within the province.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) regulates all gambling activities, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 19 years old to participate. However, there are no legal online casinos operating within the province.
Prince Edward Island
In Prince Edward Island, the Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission (PEILC) regulates all forms of gambling, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 19 years old to participate. However, there are no legal online casinos operating within the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) regulates all gambling activities, including online casinos. Online gambling is legal, and players must be at least 19 years old to participate. However, there are no legal online casinos operating within the province.
Why do players prefer licensed Canadian online casino websites?
There are several reasons why people choose legal online casinos licensed in Canada more often. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Safety and security: Legal online casinos licensed in Canada are subject to strict regulations and oversight by provincial regulatory bodies, such as the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario or the British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch. This means that they must adhere to high standards of safety and security for their customers, including measures to protect personal and financial information.
- Fair play: Legal online casinos licensed in Canada use reputable software providers and undergo regular audits to ensure that their games are fair and random. This means that players can trust that they have a fair chance of winning and that the games are not rigged in favor of the casino.
- Convenience: Online casinos licensed in Canada are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing players to gamble from the comfort of their own homes or on-the-go using their mobile devices. This convenience is particularly appealing for players who may not have access to a physical casino or who prefer to gamble in privacy.
- Bonuses and promotions: Legal online casinos licensed in Canada often offer top casino bonuses to attract and retain customers. These may include welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback offers, and loyalty programs. These incentives can be very appealing to players who are looking to maximize their winnings.
- Variety of games: Legal online casinos licensed in Canada offer a wide variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and specialty games. This variety means that players can find games that suit their individual preferences and betting styles.
In general, people choose legal online casinos licensed in Canada more often because they offer a safe, fair, and convenient way to gamble, with a wide variety of games and enticing bonuses and promotions.
Conclusions
Legal online casinos with foreign licences offer their services to Canadian players, even despite significant legal restrictions. Users can create an account and play games from top software developers for money.
Under Canadian law, access to gambling entertainment depends on the region of the country in which the player resides. Each player has to decide for themselves whether they want to play at a legal online casino with a foreign license. If you are interested in playing for real money, our website offers a ranking of the best casinos in Canada that officially accept Canadian players.
